Shape memory handles and insulators

Abstract

Shape memory insulators comprising a first layer of core material, such as polymeric insulative material, and a second, shape memory layer of elastomeric material, for attachment to objects. The shape memory layer may comprise silicone rubber, silicone gum, silicon crepe, and/or silicone gel, for example. The shape memory insulator may be part of a handle for an object, such as a pot or pan, for example, or other objects and devices requiring continuous and/or repetitive manual operation. The shape memory polymeric material may conform to the shape of the user's hand when the handle is gripped by a user's hand. When the grip is released, the shape memory material returns to its original shape. The shape memory insulators provide insulation as well as improving comfort and/or control over the engagement and use of objects, while decreasing arm and hand wear and/or strain of those using the objects.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of making a handle, comprising:
 forming a first, insulative layer; 
 bonding a second outer layer to at least a portion of the first insulative layer, the second outer layer comprising a first, inner layer of elastomeric material and a second, outer layer of elastomeric material, the outer layer having a hardness greater than a hardness of the inner layer; and 
 securing an elongated member to the first, insulative layer, the elongated member having a first end configured to be attached to an object. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the:
 bonding of the second outer layer to the first, insulative layer is done by a chemical and/or mechanical bond. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second outer layer comprises a silicone based elastomeric material, wherein the:
 bonding of the silicone based elastomeric material to the first, insulative layer is done by overmolding. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 overbonding the inner layer of elastomeric material to the first, insulative layer; and 
 overbonding the outer layer of elastomeric material to the first, insulative layer. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , comprising:
 bonding the first, inner layer of elastomeric material to the first, insulative layer by multistep injection molding. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 forming the first, insulative layer by extrusion. 
 
     
     
       7. Cookware comprising:
 a body portion to contain or support an item to be heated; and 
 a handle comprising: 
 a first inner layer of polymeric insulative material; 
 a second layer of elastomeric material bonded to at least a portion of the first layer, the elastomeric material comprising a first, inner layer of elastomeric material adjacent to the first layer of polymeric insulative material, a second, outer layer of elastomeric material adjacent to the first, inner layer of elastomeric material, the second outer layer being bonded to the first layer of polymeric insulative material and having a hardness greater than a hardness of the first, inner layer of elastomeric material, to container the first, inner layer of elastomeric material between the first layer of polymeric insulative material and the second, outer layer of elastomeric material 
 the first, inner layer and/or the second, outer layer of elastomeric material having shape memory such that, when a force is applied to the second layer by a user's hand, the elastomeric material conforms to the user's hand, and when the force is removed, the elastomeric material returns to its shape prior to the force being applied; and 
 an elongated member secured to the first layer of polymeric insulative material, the elongated member having an end attached to the body portion. 
 
     
     
       8. The cookware of  claim 7 , wherein the first, inner layer and the second, outer layer of elastomeric material have shape memory. 
     
     
       9. The cookware of  claim 7 , wherein the body portion is a pot or a pan. 
     
     
       10. A shape memory insulator comprising: a first layer of polymeric insulative material; and a second layer of elastomeric material bonded to the insulative layer comprising a first, inner layer of elastomeric material adjacent to the first layer of polymeric insulative material, and a second, outer layer of elastomeric material adjacent to the first, inner layer of elastomeric material, the second outer layer being bonded to the first layer of polymeric insulative material and having a hardness greater than a hardness of the first, inner layer of elastomeric material, to contain the first, inner layer of elastomeric material between the first layer of polymeric insulative material and the second, outer layer of elastomeric material, wherein the first inner layer and/or the second, outer layer of elastomeric material have shape memory. 
     
     
       11. The shape memory insulator of  claim 10 , wherein the first insulative layer comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, nylon, or thermoplastic rubber. 
     
     
       12. The shape memory insulator of  claim 11 , wherein the second layer of elastomeric material comprises at least one of a silicone based elastomeric material.